Mental Pen by Joao Miranda

Effect

The Mental Pen is a mentalism prop that allows a performer to predict a spectator's choice with complete accuracy. In a typical routine, a spectator freely selects a lottery ticket, cuts it, and taps the pen in a seemingly random spot. The performer then reveals they predicted the exact number or location the spectator chose. The spectator can even sign their name on the ticket afterward, making the pen fully examinable. The effect is clean, direct, and leaves no room for suspicion.

Full Details

The Mental Pen includes a standard Sharpie pen, a gimmick cap, and a reset tool. The pen itself is normal and can be replaced with any standard Sharpie refill. The gimmick is contained within the cap, allowing the spectator to activate and deactivate the effect themselves. This makes the method highly deceptive, as the spectator handles the pen the entire time.

Reset time is quick, taking about 3 seconds between performances. The prop can be used in close-up, stage, or parlor settings and works from nearly all angles except directly below the performer. The pen remains examinable after the effect, adding to its credibility.

Who Should Consider the Trick

The Mental Pen is ideal for mentalists who want a versatile, self-contained prop for prediction effects. It works well for routines involving lottery tickets, maps, word predictions, or any scenario where a spectator makes a free choice. Magicians who prefer minimal sleight of hand will appreciate its simplicity, as the effect relies on clear instructions rather than complex moves.

Difficulty

Sebastian Tocamagic describes the difficulty as "Bare Bones beginner level." The key to success is giving clear instructions to the spectator. If they follow directions correctly, the effect works flawlessly. However, if they misunderstand, the trick cannot be repeated immediately without resetting. The method is easy to learn, making it accessible to performers of all skill levels.

What Magicians Say

Sebastian Tocamagic rates the Mental Pen an 8.5 out of 10, praising its ingenuity and versatility. He highlights that the spectator activates and deactivates the gimmick themselves, which strengthens the illusion of free choice. He also notes that the pen is fully examinable after use, adding to its deceptive power.

One drawback is that the Sharpie ink dries out faster than usual due to the gimmick, so replacements may be needed more frequently. Additionally, if a spectator doesn’t follow instructions correctly, the effect cannot be repeated without resetting. Despite these minor issues, Sebastian strongly recommends the Mental Pen for mentalists, calling it a superior choice for prediction-based routines.

For magicians who want a pen that also performs magic tricks (like color changes or vanishes), other props may be more suitable. But for pure mentalism effects, the Mental Pen is a highly effective and deceptive tool.